Portraits and Speculations

A rich tapestry of literary criticism unfolds across this collection, where the author surveys the growth of narrative from its early roots to the modern imagination. Essays on figures such as Poe, Oscar Wilde and the French Symbolists sit alongside probing studies of storytelling’s mechanics, giving listeners a panoramic view of the forces that shape our myths and fictions. The tone is both scholarly and conversational, inviting you to linger over familiar names while uncovering fresh perspectives.

The centerpiece, “Art for Life’s Sake,” takes a lively stand against the old creed of “art for art’s sake,” tracing its Victorian origins and the flamboyant champions who carried its banner. With witty anecdotes and sharp analysis, the essay explores how moral judgments, notions of nature, and the very purpose of creation have tangled with artistic ambition. By the end, you’ll feel the lingering echo of a cultural battle that still informs how we assess beauty and meaning today.